Xavier Monnot Maranges Clos de la Fussiere Premier Cru Monopole 2020

Three villages at the southernmost end of the Côte de Beaune make up the Maranges AOC: Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges. Here, we’ve transitioned out of the Côte d’Or and into the Saône-et-Loire départment. Although the soil is like that of neighboring Santenay, Maranges is not strictly east-facing and its terrain is more diverse. Maranges is often described as fleshy, rich, and characterful.

Red Burgundy might be the world's most flexible food wine. The wine’s high acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, and low tannins make it very food friendly. Red Burgundy, with its earthy and sometimes gamey character, is a classic partner to roasted game birds, grilled duck breast, and dishes that feature mushrooms, black truffles, or are rich in umami.

The 2020 Maranges Clos de la Fussière 1er Cru, a monopole of the domaine, has a lovely mulberry and brown spice-tinged bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite structured but fresh with hints of black olive tapenade towards the saline finish. Excellent. - 92pts Vinous